7 tricks for getting people to do what you want

Everybody employs different tactics when it comes to getting what they want. Some people cite blunt facts and make demands. Others manipulate, cajole, and speak in riddles. Then there are those who are decidedly unconvincing altogether.

However, no matter who you are and what industry you're in, the ability to influence others is crucial.

Here are seven methods for persuading others — some might seem a bit tricky, but they could provide a serious boost to your career:

Always have a good visual handy

The researchers presented information that contradicted with the worldview of the study participants — hoping to see what it'd take to persuade them. Subjects didn't respond well to a written summary of evidence or attempts to assuage their self-esteem and make them feel comfortable.

This won't always be easy — it's not like you'll always have a chart or a powerpoint on hand whenever you need to convince someone of something. However, this is an important to keep in mind. Cold facts and personal connections won't always do the trick — sometimes, a visual presentation is the edge that you need to sell your point.

"All visuals used in the study were simple plain-vanilla graphs, so their power had nothing to do with fancy design or big production values. They were effective because they spoke to the brain in its native language."

Look the part

Would you buy something from a saleperson who's slouching, fidgeting, and avoiding eye contact? Of course not! They could be the most honest person in the world, but it wouldn't matter. Their body language projects a lack of confidence at best, deception at worst.

Repeat yourself

Repetition can be pretty annoying. In writing, it's horrendous if overdone. In conversations, it's brutal (we all know someone who keeps cycling between the same few anecdotes — or, if you're like me, you are that person).

However, repetition in speeches and pitches isn't necessarily a bad thing. Plenty of famous speakers employed rhetorical devices that involved repetition. Feel free to adopt it to emphasize and drive hope your point.

"Some of the most miserable people I know have this attitude about persuasion that it's all about cajoling others. You try to trick them — usually through a stern attitude or a demanding voice — to get what you want. It doesn't really work, unless 'what you what' is the same as feeling miserable."